Betty Allen Twin Ponds is a cozy and quaint small park located in the Betty Allen Nature Preserve in Centerport on Long Island, NY! The Betty Allen Nature Park is open to the public. The nature park provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and appreciating scenic views. The nature preserve can be accessed at the southwest corner of Rt. 25A and Stony Hollow Road in Centerport. The entrance is a few hundred feet to the west of the intersection.
{I must mention Phragmites Park as well since they share a parking lot; the parking lot is opposite the ponds on the north side of Route 25A, (however, note this post focuses on Betty Allen). Betty Allen Nature Park is also referred to as “Twin Ponds South,” and Phragmites Park is also referred to as “Twin Ponds North.” As such, I had to make note of this pair of preserves together.}
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TRAVEL THINGS TO DO ON LONG ISLAND | BETTY ALLEN TWIN PONDS
Betty Allen Twin Ponds
Betty Beckwith Allen was an “Environmentalist, Co-Founder of Huntington Audubon Society, Bird lover, Civic Activist and Friend to all Living Things.” Betty Allen Twin Ponds Nature Park is five acres and features a picturesque pond with a flat well-maintained trail around it. I am thrilled to have found this beauty.
The pond, which is situated in the park, flows northward and underneath 25A and ultimately discharges into Northport Harbor. One of the first things you may encounter is the pond which is surrounded by a loop trail that covers 0.5 miles as well as a dam and fish ladder. The fish ladder was installed in 2011, and its use was to reintroduce species to the pond that historically may have spawned at the location. Pursuant to The Huntingtonian and Trail Guide, one such example includes Alewives, which are known to have spawned in the area in the past. Diadromous fish, such as Alewives, are migratory species which migrate between the sea and fresh water.
The fish ladder provides such species access to water bodies that may have impoundments or obstructions between the sea and fresh waters. Its purpose is to allow alewife fish to travel into the pond and provide them with new habitat and spawning grounds, while also offering people new opportunities for fishing. You may also find fish species including naturally reproducing bluegill sunfish, pumpkinseed and largemouth bass, as well as brown and rainbow trout that are stocked each spring and fall by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. (I don’t fish but this is fascinating!)
Location: Betty Allen Twin Ponds, Centerport, New York
Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/betty-allen-nature-preserve–2
Date of Hike: November 6, 2021
Firstly, you can begin to hike if you feel so inclined; I am a newbie hiker (still in my first year!). However, if you need help getting started, read this! Secondly, I love this new habit formed and structure; with that said, my hikes are generally under the guidance of AllTrails:
Betty Allen Pond Trail is a 0.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Huntington, New York that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October.
…Betty Allen Twin Ponds…
The flat, well-maintained trail at Betty Allen Nature Preserve meanders around its central pond, giving hikers opportunities to view the water and its inhabitants, which include swans, ducks, and other waterfowl. The preserve was named for Betty Allen, an environmental activist who cofounded the Huntington Audubon Society. The pond was initially used by Native Americans and was formed by the damming of nearby streams. The Town of Huntington purchased the land in 1972 with a 50% matching grant through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. In 2011 a new dam and fish ladder were installed to allow alewives to travel into the pond, providing them new habitat and spawning grounds, and providing people with new opportunities for fishing.
Finally, just get out there and enjoy nature!
Betty Allen Twin Ponds Nature Park (and Phragmites Park) are worth a trip! If you live in or around the vicinity, then you should make it a point to visit. Even though these are small parks, the parks are absolutely beautiful, quiet and engaging. I felt like I had the park to all myself – and since I am always being honest, I love that. Perfect! I found the trail to be well-defined and clear. I went on a stunning fall day, and it did not disappoint.
Have you wandered this hike? Will you? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Hiking! 🖤
This post is all about
TRAVEL THINGS TO DO ON LONG ISLAND | BETTY ALLEN TWIN PONDS
Toya is a model, actress, and lawyer who enjoys sharing her life experiences. She shares her experiences on travel things, adventures, products/services and reviews everyday lifestyle moments. She inspires her readers to get out and live their lives to the fullest!
